11 So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.

14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

— Romans 6:11-12; 14

so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

— Romans 5:21

And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

— 1 John 4:16

I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,

— Ephesians 3:16

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Through baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection, we are children of God and have a new life. So what does this new life look like? In Romans 6:11 Paul encourages us to count ourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus, recognizing that our true identity is found in Christ, not in our past, our mistakes or our weaknesses. This new life is a life of purpose, joy and peace instead of being driven by selfish desires. We are now led by the spirit, and called to live in a way that honors God and blesses others.

Imagine waking up each day with the knowledge that we are fully loved, forgiven, and empowered by God‘s Spirit.
How would that change the way we approach our relationships, our work and our challenges! This is the life. Paul calls us to a life no longer ruled by guilt, fear or shame, but by the assurance of God‘s love and strength within us.